Legg-Perthes - Worried about our little Luke

[MzLynnC]

Hope am posting this in the correct place.

First want to say if you have a puppy be aware of this condition and precaution to possibly get an X-ray done at around 8-9 months.

Had a trainer with Luke last week (Luke 9 1/2mo - 2lb 14.5oz), she noticed that he had just started holding his left rear leg up and said his muscle felt different then the right side. Would have noticed it later am sure, but he must have started barely having his toes on the floor and not his foot within the last 24 hours. So off to the Vet on Thursday - X-Ray - and report showed Legg Perthes. This was new to me in small animals. We have had Yorkies over 33 years and never a problem before.

Went to surgeon yesterday, he told us Luke had this for about 6-8 weeks. Surgery is scheduled for next Tuesday. Was told he should make a wonderful recovery and when all healed he should get around like he never had anything done. Surgery and then stays for 7 days for therapy - then comes home, crate confirmed for at least 1-2 weeks and have to take him 5 days a week for therapy for 2 weeks. We don't see him after surgery but can go daily except Sunday until he is able to come home. Feel comfortable with the surgeon, he is use to working on small dogs, he is an ortho surgeon, and has taught so many places. The facility is spotless and WOW - 12,000 sq feet, they have everything there CAT scan, MRI, radiologist, therapy areas, other vet specialist, and vet always there 24/7

Purchased Trupanion when we got these babies, and they said this is covered and sent us a claim form. I also purchased the add on rider which will cover the therapy.

The breeder who we had bought before was totally surprised, she offered to pay our deductible and even offered to buy him back. This was the first litter out of the bitch but the dog had many other breeding with no issue. Guess this combo wasn't good, but you don't know. She has been wonderful, we have become friends over these dogs and our previous girl lived to be 15 that we got from her. Very upfront breeder and still highly recommend. She did everything prior to purchase, blood work, bile acid, spay/neuter (we got Luke's sister Lily, she is 2lb 6oz). Told me what to do if he doesn't eat and we text her with any question.

Am so worried about this procedure and want him to wake up from the sedation. We are camping out in the lobby until he is out of surgery and awake.

Will try to post updates to the surgery, progress and healing.

Praying for my little Luke.

[amerah6]

Prayers for Luke and the rest of the family!!!

[KairaPup]

So sorry. Hope he recovers well. I am so glad you have a good breeder to support you.

[Zeus is Loved]

My precious Zeusy had this surgery on December 11, 2015. He was 14 months old, and the hip was collapsing by the time he had his surgery. His muscle was completely atrophied. We had to switch vets to get the correct diagnosis, so it took a little longer than it should have. I am happy that report that you would never know he had this disease. He is running and playing like the old Zeusy. He also doesn't look any different at all. The hardest part was the confinement; however, due to the timing (Christmas vacation for my son), between me, my husband, and my teenage son, one of us was home to hold him in our lap and watch over him. He came to work with me for 3 days, so we didn't have to cage him. I slept in the recliner with him. He HATES being in a crate or carrier. Other than that, the surgery and recovery was much better than I had anticipated. If you have any questions now or during recovery, please feel free to ask. Best wishes!!

[Yorkiemom1]

Sounds to me like you have a wonderful breeder and a great plan for your baby. Your breeder is absolutely correct....this fluke can blindside you right out of the blue....I had a female that I had used for 8 years, the last 6 years with the same stud. She had many litters during those years and had NEVER had a problem with even one baby....then right out of the blue, she threw a pup that had this crop up. These people even have a sibling from the same litter, that has no evidence of this issue. This baby was almost a year old before it showed up and this female had already had another litter.....never showed up in any of those babies either....clearly a throw back fluke.....but you dont continue to breed these specific two anymore.

A reputable breeder will be there for you, as yours is doing. We all handle it differently....I paid for all diagnostic testing, the surgery to correct the problem, the after care vet bills, as well as testing on the other little dog to make sure it was not a powder keg there too. That was the only puppy to ever have it from my breedings, never had it again....but you MUST stand by people when something like this happens to them, for the life of that baby.

You are sitting is a very good place....you have an excellent plan of care outlined for your baby, you have bought your baby from a reputable breeder that is there with you during this, and you have an excellent post op care plan, driven by professionals that know what they are doing....your baby will be just fine! And when it is all over, you wont even be able to tell what has happened! Your baby will be almost as good as new! Be encouraged with this.....you are in a great place with this pup!

[MzLynnC]

Thank you Judy, your advice/knowledge is so wonderful!

[MzLynnC]

Thank you for sharing your experience and glad your baby is doing fine. Was lucky the vet got it on the first x-ray and sent us to the specialist. Also thank you for your offer if I have questions.

[KairaPup]

Also, if it helps- I know it's not the same disease but my pup had a corrective surgery on her kneecap, and has healed beautifully from it. Never would know anything was done except for the scar, which hair will cover.

[MzLynnC]

Originally Posted by KairaPup

Also, if it helps- I know it's not the same disease but my pup had a corrective surgery on her kneecap, and has healed beautifully from it. Never would know anything was done except for the scar, which hair will cover.

That is wonderful to hear and words of encouragement.

[MzLynnC]

Originally Posted by Yorkiemom1

Sounds to me like you have a wonderful breeder and a great plan for your baby. Your breeder is absolutely correct....this fluke can blindside you right out of the blue....I had a female that I had used for 8 years, the last 6 years with the same stud. She had many litters during those years and had NEVER had a problem with even one baby....then right out of the blue, she threw a pup that had this crop up. These people even have a sibling from the same litter, that has no evidence of this issue. This baby was almost a year old before it showed up and this female had already had another litter.....never showed up in any of those babies either....clearly a throw back fluke.....but you dont continue to breed these specific two anymore.

A reputable breeder will be there for you, as yours is doing. We all handle it differently....I paid for all diagnostic testing, the surgery to correct the problem, the after care vet bills, as well as testing on the other little dog to make sure it was not a powder keg there too. That was the only puppy to ever have it from my breedings, never had it again....but you MUST stand by people when something like this happens to them, for the life of that baby.

You are sitting is a very good place....you have an excellent plan of care outlined for your baby, you have bought your baby from a reputable breeder that is there with you during this, and you have an excellent post op care plan, driven by professionals that know what they are doing....your baby will be just fine! And when it is all over, you wont even be able to tell what has happened! Your baby will be almost as good as new! Be encouraged with this.....you are in a great place with this pup!

Judy - I wasn't this worried when I had my last surgery - I feel better now with everyone's kind thoughts and words but will be glad when Tuesday is over next week.

Also sent my pre-approval claim into Trupanion, they are so nice on the phone, since his surgery is Tuesday, they are rushing up the approval so we know what is covered and what is not. Anything this little boy needs he will get. They will allow him to have his small puppy kong but no other toys from home or bedding. They are strict on the sterile environment. Am allowed to take his food and will give him some good enhancements like his Duck Duck Goose patties which he loves.

Lynn

[KairaPup]

I always send things from home. I sent some wet food in case my girl didn't want to eat due to stress when she had to have her surgery. She didn't need it, but it was comforting to me knowing that she would have something tempting if she refused her regular food. I also made sure I made a paper instruction sheet (yep, nervous owner!) with her meal amounts, my cell and work phone numbers, full name, etc. Just in case. I folded that up and put it in her overnight bag.

[Yorkiemom1]

My vet will allow a pillow case or a t-shirt of the owners, so baby will continue to smell their momma all the while they are there....sounds like you are getting all your ducks in a row....like Mr T used to say...."I love it when a plan all comes together"....

[MzLynnC]

Luke had his surgery today and is resting comfortably tonight. Will get to see him tomorrow. Surgery time was about an hour.

[KairaPup]

He is in our thoughts. Keep us updated on the little angel.

[maxdog]

I hope all went well. Sasha had the top of her Femur removed last year and she doing well. I can still see her lift the leg once in a while when she goes into a full run but she is no longer in pain.